Earlobe Repair

The ears help to frame the face by providing balance to your features. However, the constant exposure of the ears combined with the ornamental nature of earrings and ear piercings can result in earlobes that appear stretched or torn, detracting from your overall image. Gravity, the aging process and genetics can all result in elongated earlobes, while injury or piercings can cause the lobes to become torn. Earlobe repair is a simple procedure that can restore a natural, youthful look to the ears.

Board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Alexander Nein specializes in a range of facial rejuvenation procedures, including earlobe surgery. His background in engineering combined with his extensive medical training and sensitivity to aesthetics gives him the expertise required to create the most beautiful and natural-looking cosmetic results. In addition to facial rejuvenation surgery, Dr. Nein also offers a full range of body contouring and breast enhancement procedures.

If you’re ready to learn more, please contact us online today, or call 615-327-0201 to schedule your earlobe repair consultation at our Nashville plastic surgery practice. We have patients travel to us from all parts of Tennessee including Franklin, Clarksville, Murfreesboro and other communities.

Considering Earlobe Repair?

Earlobe surgery is one of the most simple facial rejuvenation procedures. Most people who consider earlobe repair are in their middle age or older, although some younger men and women may also benefit from the procedure.

The most common candidates for earlobe repair are people who have noticed that age has caused a loss of elasticity in the skin, resulting in stretched or elongated earlobes. Candidates for earlobe repair may or may not have had ear piercings. People who have a history of wearing dangly or heavy earrings can have even more pronounced stretching of the earlobes in addition to enlarged piercings. Many people who have earlobe surgery had gauged ear piercings in the past they no longer wish to use. Others have damaged or torn earlobes resulting from injury or an earring getting caught and torn from the lobe.

Because earlobe surgery is a relatively minor procedure, it’s common to combine the treatment with additional facial rejuvenation options. Dr. Nein frequently performs earlobe repair during facelift surgery to provide a more comprehensive facial treatment. He may also recommend eyelid surgery or a brow lift to further revitalize the facial features and create the most flattering results.

At A Glance

Procedure Length

45 minutes to 1 hour

Anesthesia

Local

In/Outpatient

Outpatient

Side Effects

Temporary swelling and bruising, tenderness, feeling of tightness around the ears, possible headache.

Risks

Infection, chance of adverse scarring in split earlobe repair.

Recovery

Return to work within 1 day of surgery. Back to more active exercise: 2 weeks. Continue limiting sun exposure for several months.

Duration of Results

Long-lasting, but depends on lifestyle factors and whether earrings are routinely worn.

Planning Your Surgery

The first step in planning your earlobe repair surgery is scheduling your one-on-one consultation with Dr. Nein. During your consultation, Dr. Nein will examine your earlobes and determine whether you’re a good candidate for earlobe repair, talk with you about your aesthetic goals and answer any questions you may have. He may also recommend other treatments that could complement your results.

Earlobe surgery is a relatively quick procedure performed under local anesthesia on an outpatient basis. During the surgery, Dr. Nein can reduce the size of your earlobe for a more proportionate and younger look. He can tighten any existing piercings, including enlarged piercings from gauged ears. If your earlobe has been torn or otherwise damaged, he can reconstruct the original shape of the earlobes using stitches.

If you think of additional questions or concerns about earlobe surgery or another procedure after your consultation, we’re happy to address your needs at any time.

Your Recovery & Results

Your exact recovery process will depend on the approach used by Dr. Nein during your earlobe repair and whether your treatment was combined with any additional surgeries.

As a standalone procedure, earlobe repair requires very little downtime. You can expect some minor swelling and bruising of the earlobes that should subside after the first 1 to 2 weeks. Most people can resume their normal routines on the day after their appointments, taking special care to avoid strenuous activities or anything that might bump the ears.

Dr. Nein may ask you to wear special bandages or apply an antibiotic ointment in the days or weeks following your surgery. You should be able to notice your final results from earlobe repair within 1 month of your surgery. Most people are able to re-pierce their ears if they wish by 6 weeks after earlobe repair.